Construction Boom For New And Old

From the Sun, we learn that a Florida developer has begun work on the controversial 23-story condo in downtown Columbia. When completed, the story says, the Plaza Residences will be the tallest building in Howard County at 275 feet.

Meanwhile, renovation work is proceeding along at the old Blandair Mansion in east Columbia. The $1.6 million restoration project is "the first phase of a $14 million project to convert the overgrown farm into a park."

Larry Carson writes that the county plans to hire a consultant by Labor Day to lead "another round of public meetings this fall to complete plans for the parkland. Although some people want the entire 300 acres preserved in a natural state, plans include athletic fields on the land south of Route 175, with paths and facilities on the north side."

The county's park and rec director hopes to eventually see a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the state roadway.

The park's development could be done by 2012 if funding is provided.